ammonia

Definition

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a strong, pungent smell. It is made up of three atoms: two hydrogen atoms and one nitrogen atom.

How can the word be used?

The ammonia smell in the bathroom was overwhelming.

Different forms of the word

Noun: ammonia.

Adjective: ammoniacal.

Adverb: ammoniacally.

Synonyms: ammonium hydroxide, NH3, pungent, alkaline, toxic.

Antonyms: none.

Etymology

The word "ammonia" comes from the Latin word ammonium, which itself comes from the Greek word Ammon, the name of an Egyptian god. The god Ammon was often depicted with a ram's head, and the ammonia molecule has a distinctive pungent smell that is similar to the smell of rams' urine.

Question

How can ammonia be used?